James Alan Cooper, 31, was last seen March 1, 1997, in Hayward, California. He was described as 5 feet 10 inches to 5 feet 11 inches, 140 to 150 pounds, with long sandy-colored hair, brown eyes, a scar on his abdomen, a scorpion tattoo on his left upper arm, and a freckle or mole on his right upper cheek beneath his eye.

There are few clues about what happened after he was last seen. He may have been living a transient lifestyle in the Hayward or San Francisco area and a potential sighting in San Francisco was reported but never confirmed. His family has not heard from him since March 1997 and his case is listed in the NamUs database.

Anyone who knew James, saw him in the Hayward or San Francisco area around March 1997, or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact local law enforcement.